Articles - The Moscow Times

Support The Moscow Times!

Contribute today

Gazprom Gains Control of Russia’s Top Social Network

VK's CEO has also resigned as part of sweeping changes that boost Kremlin control over VKontakte.

Russia Launches Homemade TikTok Alternative

State-owned media conglomerate launches new video-sharing platform as Russia ramps up pressure on foreign tech companies.

Russia Makes Covering Military Corruption News Grounds for ‘Foreign Agent’ Status

A new list sets out information that could be used to threaten state security.

Russia Threatens YouTube Block Over RT German Spat

YouTube deleted RT’s DE and DFP channels for repeatedly breaching its coronavirus misinformation policy, sparking uproar from Moscow.

Telegram Messenger Blocks Navalny Bot During Russian Election

The decision further restricts access to Alexei Navalny's Smart Voting system, following Apple and Google takedowns of his app.

TECH GIANTS SUCCUMB

Apple, Google Delete Navalny App on Day of Russian Parliamentary Vote

The app contained tactical voting recommendations for challengers to pro-Putin incumbents from the ruling United Russia party.

financial penalty

Russia Fines U.S. Web Giants for Breaching Data Storage Law

The penalties come as authorities ramp up control of the Russian segment of the internet.

think global, act local

Russia Orders Foreign Tech Giants to Set Up Local Foothold

Internet companies that don't open an office in Russia could end up fully blocked within the country.

INFLUENCE OPERATIONS

Facebook Accuses Russia of Spreading Disinformation

The social media giant linked campaigns to St. Petersburg-based troll factory the Internet Research Agency.

Russia Gives Google 24 Hour Ultimatum to Remove Banned Content

Communications watchdog says it will slow down Google’s services in Russia if the company does not comply.

think global, act local

Russia Moves to Force Tech Giants to Set Up Local Offices

Russia has stepped up efforts to impose more control on online platforms including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Russia Says Won't Block Twitter, Will Keep Throttling Speeds

Twitter complied with 91% of Russia’s requests to delete content, the country’s media regulator said.

Russia Probes YouTube for 'Abusing' Dominant Position – Regulator

The move comes as Russia ramps up pressure on foreign tech platforms.

WEEKEND PROFILE

The Nail Tech to LA’s Hottest Influencers Is From Small-Town Russia

Olesya Kondratyeva opened her first business in Tver and now manicures supermodel Kendall Jenner’s nails.

political battleground

Russia Fines TikTok for Leaving Up Navalny Protest Calls

Young Russians flocked to the app to post videos in support of pro-Navalny protests earlier this year.

online clampdown

Russia Extends Twitter Slowdown, Deadline to Remove Content

Russia said Twitter started cooperating after the country's media watchdog threatened to block it over failing to delete banned content.

watch your mouth

Russians Post More Profanities After Social Media Swearing Ban

A new Russian law requiring social media platforms to delete posts containing swear words came into force earlier this year.

Russia Fines Twitter for Not Removing Calls to Protests

Twitter faces three fines totaling 8.9 million rubles ($116,700) as Moscow ramps up its pressure against the U.S. tech giant.

Russian Lawyers Seek State Regulations on Recommendation Engines – Kommersant

The lawyers warned that such technologies can influence public opinion, "increasing the risk of social conflict."

Fake Russian-Language Tiktok Scams Popular Accounts – Kommersant

This is the first time that the widespread social media entrapment method has involved the popular Chinese short-video app.

View more articles